46 The QUEE NS Courier • health • SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶health HERE’S WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more than 250,000 women across the globe are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the cancer causes 140,000 deaths annually. Unfortunately, too often, ovarian cancer is diagnosed too late, as the symptoms are similar to those experienced by a woman experiencing her period or less serious medical conditions. Dr. David Fishman, cancer center director, vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology, and director of gynecologic oncology for NewYork- Presbyterian/Queens, believes there needs to be a paradigm shift in how we approach the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. “Ovarian cancer takes the lives of far too many women, because of misdiagnosis, and a lack of awareness that all women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer,” said Dr. Fishman. “Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late. It’s important for women to know their risk at contracting this deadly disease, and its earliest warning signs.” Dr. Fishman offers the following facts to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer, its risk and its symptoms. 1. Know the symptoms. The early symptoms don’t seem severe and are easy to ignore: bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly and frequent urination. Other symptoms include indigestion, nausea, weight gain, shortness of breath and back pain. If you experience these symptoms for more than seven days, consult a physician and if appropriate ask if your ovaries are normal. Transvaginal ultrasound is the best imaging technology to evaluate the ovaries for abnormal masses while MRI is best for visualizing the uterus for abnormalities. 2. Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer. Many patients have a tendency to believe that a clean pap test means that they are clear of ovarian cancer. This is not the case. A pap smear diagnoses cervical disease and is not a tool to diagnose ovarian cancer. 3. There are several indicators of risk. Every woman is at risk for ovarian cancer, and one in 75 women will develop ovarian cancer. One of the best ways to evaluate your risk is based on your personal and family history. Women with a personal history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. There are many other cancers associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer which should be discussed with your physician. Presently at least 43 inheritable genes have been identified that are associated with an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. To best determine if you are at risk for having a gene mutation associated with an increased risk for developing cancer, you should be formally evaluated by a board-certified genetic counselor, who is a medical expert to determine risk. Other factors increasing a woman’s risk for developing ovarian cancer include infertility, early menstrual cycles, obesity and age over 70 years. 4. Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early. If ovarian cancer is discovered confined to the ovary (Stage I), depending on the type of ovarian cancer, patients have on average a 90 percent, five-year survival rate. For certain types of ovarian cancer, the survival rate is a high as 98 percent. That’s why it’s critical to consult with physicians at the first sign of symptoms. Advanced stage disease has a poor five-year survival. 5. Certain behaviors reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that a healthy, low-fat diet, giving birth, the use of birth control, tubal ligation and preventative surgery can all reduce the chances of a woman, including atrisk women, from contracting ovarian cancer. Prevention of ovarian cancer can be achieved by prophylactically removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Our high quality and affordable Medicare Advantage and Long Term Care plan options include: Medicare Advantage Plans Designed to meet the needs of individuals with Medicare and those with both Medicare and Medicaid. We have a variety of plan options and a large network of quality doctors and providers in the communities where you live. Managed Long Term Care Plans Health and long term care services at home or in the community for those who are chronically ill or disabled. Contact us for eligibility and enrollment. info@agewellnewyork.com | agewellnewyork.com We’re here for your call. Toll Free 1.866.586.8044 TTY/TDD 1.800.662.1220 Seriously, choosing a health plan is not easy. We work hard to make it easier. AgeWell New York LLC is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in AgeWell New York depends on contract renewal. Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in AgeWell New York LLC through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at www.medicare.gov. H4922_AWNY_4002_AS16_FILE & USE 04152016
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